As part of Healthcare Science Week 2023 , Lynne Wareing, Pathology Quality Manager, at
Why did you choose a career in Pathology?
I completed a questionnaire at school and laboratory work was a suggested career choice. I only wrote for one job and had one interview (not the original job I had applied for) and accepted the post at the age of 16. I completed my fellowship exams in Biochemistry in 1994. I chose biochemistry as at the time I struggled with microscope work and biochemistry had the least complicated words to learn. I also enjoyed the more hands-on technical side of the equipment and enjoyed the maintenance and problem solving that was often needed in this department.
What does a typical day involve?
I have worked in all departments at Stepping Hill and have experience of three other laboratories and came back 15 years ago as the Pathology Quality Manager.
A typical day, now I am not sure I have a typical day. I spend a lot of time answering emails. I also follow up with any complaints and incidents raised making sure timelines can be completed either by myself or the department technical heads or relevant consultant. I also spend time completing audits and checking other audits that have been completed so they are fit for purpose and comply with the relevant standards we follow. I also spend time on training staff in the Quality Management Systems which also extends to risk and safety, education and Microsoft programmes. I represent the department at many meetings on quality, governance, estates, health and safety and training issues. I am responsible for writing and updating policies and procedures for the department. I am one of the departments 'go to' people, as I have worked on site over 30 years, there is not much I cannot help people with.
How does your job impact on patient health?
Being able to assure our users that we are compliant with standards shows that we are responsible for the work we produce and that the results we provide have been carried out in accordance to very strict processes. As a patient who receives treatments from the results we provide, it is a real comfort to me that I have played a part in providing this service. Although I do not do any of the testing these days I help in getting the accreditations which provides the assurance of quality in the work we all do.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
To have a managerial position with an organisation that I started my career in over 30 years ago is an amazing feeling. I currently have all my departments accredited and feel I have a good rapport with all grades of staff within the departments and the Trust.
I like doing careers talks and working with students on work experience and doing roadshows. We have taken on several students as a result of this work which I am proud of.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in Pathology?
I have enjoyed every minute if it. I was not an A or A* student at school but I did like biology. There is always a way to achieve a role which interests you. I was being paid at 16 unlike my friends who went the traditional way through to university, but I still hold a Master’s degree working on the job. It is hard work working and studying at the same time, but I had no student loan to pay off. It is a shame this process does not still exist but the apprentice role is similar. It is a rewarding job knowing you are providing a service for the doctors but not having the same emotional experience the patient facing teams have. Technology is changing so much that I find the changes and the evolution of the processes fascinating. Looking back over my 30 years plus I could never have imagined robots would be a feature of Blood Sciences and Digital Pathology would transform the Cellular Pathology consultant’s work. Science is never still, there is always something to learn. If you like change and freshness, Pathology is most definitely a good career choice.